World travel has become a popular pastime for many travelers. The idea of exploring another culture is exciting, the thought of visiting foreign lands and soaking up their cultures is intriguing. However, there are some important travel facts and tips that anyone interested in world travel should be aware of in order to maximize their enjoyment of travel and to avoid common travel mistakes.
There are two ways to get around on vacations: by road or by plane. Car travel is becoming more popular because it is less costly than air travel and there is less security risk involved with using a car rather than a bus or train. Most travelers use a car because it is less time consuming and easier to navigate through many larger cities than using public transportation.
Before purchasing any kind of round-the-world tickets, be sure to research all the options. There are many great vacation clubs and special travel websites that offer extremely valuable travel information and services. Travel agents and brokers can also help the new traveler understand the importance of securing cheap tickets, choosing the right tour package and other factors that affect the price of a round-the-world ticket.
Anyone who wants to take a trip around the world should consider starting a travel program. A travel program will allow a person to save money on airfare, hotel room, rental car costs and any combination of those items. When starting a travel program, it is important to understand that the cost will depend on how many people participate in the plan. Typically, the larger the group, the more expensive the ticket will be. However, some travel programs will allow a person to upgrade the ticket if more than one person is traveling and uses a certain amount of the ticket each day.
When looking for an inexpensive ticket, it may be best to fly to a country other than the one the world traveler wants to visit. For instance, when a person wants to travel to Paris but lives in New York City, the cost of a round-the-world ticket may be much less than if they flew to Paris but lived in Seattle. Certain international airlines offer global entry or security discounts. Many major airlines like Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines and Continental Airlines offer free or low cost flight tickets to certain parts of the world. If a person checks with major airlines on the internet, they may find information about promotional or global entry promotions.
When a person travels abroad on a ticket that has an international entry or visa discount, it does not mean the ticket is discounted from the standard rate. It is up to the person to inquire about any specials or promotions before purchasing the ticket. Many companies like Priceline, Travelocity and Hotwire offer online ticket booking services. International travelers can also check with their local U.S. customs office for information about specific countries or cities. Some international travel companies will pre-screen their customers for security clearance before shipping the ticket.